Missouri House Members Work on Ethics Bill

(AP) – Members of a Missouri House committee say they support changes to the state’s ethics laws but further clarification is needed.
State representatives pointed out potential problems with some ethics bills at a committee hearing Monday.
Lawmakers say blanket limits on lobbyist gifts need to have a clear time frame or other parameters. They also say it may create problems for lobbyists married to lawmakers or staff members.
Government Oversight and Accountability Chairman Jay Barnes, of Jefferson City, says some of the bills may be amended to deal with issues pointed out by the committee.
Other bills discussed included a one-year cooling-off period before a lawmaker can start lobbying, faster disclosure requirements for campaign contributions larger than $500 and a ban on lawmakers serving as campaign consultants for others